Apparatus for feeding materials



Oct. 3l, 1939. H. w; LANDENBERGER 2,178,396

APPAATUS FOR FEEDING MATERIALS Filed Sept. 3, -1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 1` Oct. 31, 1939. Hqw. LANDENBERGER APPARATUS FOR FEEDING MATERIALS Filed sept. 3, 1936 -4 Sheets-Sheet 2 x A k www.

. Willa Oct. 31, 1939. H. w. LANDENBERGER APPARATUS FOR FEEDING MATERIALS -Filed Sept. 3, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet .3

0d.l 31", 1939. Hw, LANDENBE-RGER 2,178,396

I APPARATUS FOR FEEDING MATERIALS Filed Sept. 3, 1936 4 She-ets-She-et 4 l Patented o1.'31,'19 39 UNIT-ED STATES PATENT OFFICE A signor to American Engin ecring Company.

Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application september- 3, 193e, .serial No. 99,316

14 claims. (ci. 1113-45) sequential order, whereby a Acontinuous flow of material to a receiver is assured.

A further object is to provide a novel pump and kmotor system for operating the feeding devices having automatic controlmeans associated therewith for controlling the operation thereof. A still further object is to provide avnovel control system for the feeding devices. and the operating means thereof, including a series of automatically operable valves. Y

' 4Other and further objectswill become apparent'as thedescri'ption of the` invention pro 15 gl'SeS. I

Of the' drawings:

. Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view partly in section ofthe apparatus comprising the present invention.

'Fig'. 2 is an enlarged plan view partly in section of the pumping unitof the apparatus and the control mechanisms associated therewith.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the material feeding devices.

Fig. 4 is an Aelevational view partly in section taken substantially along line 4 4 of Fig. 3, showing the operating motors for the feeding de'vices.-

Fig. 5 is a detail view of the relief valves and trolling the ow of 'materials from the feedingv devices. y y

Fig.. 7 is a horizontal sectional view taken through one of the automatic air valves of the control mechanism for the apparatus.

Fig. 8 ,is an 'elevational view partly in'section ofthevalve'showninFlgJ. Fig'. 9 isa view partly in section of one oi' the relief.- valves shown in Fig. 5

Fig'. 10-is a sectional elevational view of one of the valves forv controlling the operation of," the-motors for 'operating the feeding devices. v .55 and' Figs. 11, 12, 13 and 14 are diagrammatic views views partly in section of a portion of the control mechanism showing the automatic control` valves in different positions'of adjustment.

Referring tothe drawings,l the numeral I designates generally the material feeding end of the apparatus operated in the present instance` -by a pumping unit 2, and comprising a pair o;

substantially vertical units 3 and l mounted .upo' a base 5, which in turn is supported upon -a pair of channel beams 6 and l. Unit .3 is provided with a partition 8 intermediate the ends thereof, through which extends apiston rod d. Secured to the lower end of'rod' 9v and extending be neath partition 8, is a piston I0 ofvsubstantially cylindricall constructionwhich operates in the lower cylindrical sectipn 3a of unit The upper end of rod 9 has also secured thereto a piston II which in the present instance is substantially square in cross section and operates in the correspondingly shaped upper section 3b, which constitutes the receiving chamber of unit 3 for of extensions I3 and it. Extension I3 is-'provided with a vertical aperture through which extends the upper reduced end of a piston .rod

IE. The lower end of rod I5 has secured theretoa. piston I6 which operates in the cylinder ii of a uid motor I8. Extension id is provided .with a hook I9 (Fig. 3) for receiving the upper are cast integral to the opposite sides of section 3b, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. Lid i2 is held against upward movement on rods i5 and 2d bynuts Ii'and 42li' and against downward movement relative to said rods byv a pair of-collars I5" and 20 respectively, secured to rods i5 and 2Il'in any suitable manner. Unit d is similar in construction to unit 3,/and also has provided intermediate the ends thereof a partition which divides the same into a lower section de and an upper section 4b, and through whichy extends a piston rod 26. Secured to the opposite ends of rod '26 are pistons 21 and 28, whichoperate respectively in the lower, substantially cylindrical section l, and the upper, substantially square material receiving section 4b. The upper end of section 4b maybe closed by a lid 29 having extensions and 3i provided respectively at the opposite ends thereof. Extension 33 is provided with a substantially vertical aperture which receives a piston rod 32 extendy ing through the upper end of cylinder 33. The lower end of rod 32 has secured thereto a piston 1 upper end of cylinder 22 of motor 23 by means 34 which operates in the cylinder 33 of a fluid motor 35. Extension 3| is of hook-like construction, as shown at 36, and receives the upper end of a second piston rod 31. The lower end of piston rod 31 has secured thereto a piston 33 whichoperates in a cylinder 33 of a second fluid motor 43. Lid v23 is held against upward moveconnected to ports 45 and 46 of a three-way valve' 41. -Valve 41 comprises a cylindrical valve member 43 which operates in the cylindrical bore. of the valve casing 43. The valve casing is also provided with a discharge port 53. Thus when valve 43 is in the position shown in Fig. 6, communication is established between pipe 43, port 45 and discharge port 53. The solid portion of valve memberl43 when in this position closes port 46. When valve member 43 is rotated to a second position of. adjustment communication is established between pipe 44, port 46,'and discharge port 53, while the solid portion thereof closes port 45. Valve member 43 has secured thereto exteriorly o'f the valve casing a gear 5| which meshes with a rack 52, secured to the piston rod 53 of a piston 54 operating in the cylinder 55 of a iluid motor 56 secured in any suit; able manner to a bracket 53' extending laterally from section 3b (Fig. 3).` Thus when'piston 54 is actuated to one position of adjustment communication is established between discharge port 53, of valve 41, and pipe 43, land when said piston is actuated in the reverse direction, communication is established between discharge port 53 and pipe 44. The upper and lower ends of section 3 of unit 3 are provided with ports 51 and 53 respectively, through which fluid under pressure from pumping unit 2 is adapted to pass during operating periods. section 4 are likewise provided with ports 3 and 63 through which fluid under pressure froml the pump unit 2 may also pass.

Pumping unit 2 comprises a pair of pumps P1 and Pz driven in the present instance by an electric motor M. These pumps are of a well known construction, and for a complete description thereof reference may be had to United States.

' ply tank 6I. Pump P2 also receives its fluid from supply tank 6| through a pipe 36 and discharges fluid under pressure through a pipe 31. The

`other end of pipe 61 is connected to a relief valve 63 and a pipe 63 connects relief valve 63 with supply tank 6I. Pipe 63 is connected '.to a

four-way valve 13 which in the present instance -comprises a casing 1| having a valve member 12 ope ating in the central chamber 13 thereof. Val e casing 1| has provided therein an' inlet port 14 which is connected to pipe 63 by a pipe 15, and discharge ports 16 and 11.

'I'he upper and lower ends of,

Ports 13 of valve 13 is connected to the lower end of cylinder I1 of motor I3 by means of a pipe13, while a branch pipe 13 connects pipe A'I3 with the lower end of the cylinder 22 of fluid motor 23. Port 11 of valve 13 is connected to the 5 of a pipe 33, while branch pipes 3| and 32 connect pipe 33 with the upper end of cylinder I1 of motor I3, and the port 53 of section 3'l of unit 3, respectively. Valve member 12, as will be seen upon reference to Figs. 1 and 2, comprises a pair of interconnected valve heads 33 and 34. A stem 35 is secured to one end of valve member 12 and Vextends through the end wall 36 of casing 1| and is operatively connected to the piston rod 31 of a fluid motor 33 by any suitable coupling means 33. Motor 33 is provided to shift valve member 12, as will appear more fully hereinafter. Referring more particularly to Fig. 10, it will be seen that the opposite ends of the central chamber 13 of valve 13 are connected by means 4oi! a passage 33, which communicates with a fourth port 32 of said valve, while a pipe. 3| connects port 32 with supply tank 3|.

When valve member -12 is in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, iiuid from pump P1 enters port 14 through pipes 33 and 15, and then flows into chamber 13 between valve heads 33 and 34, and into pipe 13 .through port 13, and thence to the lower end 'of cylinders I1 and 22 of motors I3 and 23 respectively, through pipe 13 and branch pipe 13. Fluid in the upper ends of cylinders I1 and 22 of motors I3 and 23 will now now through branch pipe 3|, pipe 33, port 11, valve chamber 13, port 32, and thence to supply tank 3| through pipe 3|. Fluid in the lower end of section 3 of cylinder 3 will also flow to supply tank 3| through pipes 32, 33, port 11, chamber 13,'port 32 and pipe 3|..

Referring to Fig. 1, it will be noted that port 43 51 -at the upper end of section 3` is connected to pipe 13 by a choke coil 34. Thus when fluid under pressure passes to the lower ends of cylinders I1 and 22 through pipes 13 and 13, prsure will also be exerted against the upper end of piston I3, thereby urging the same downwardly, after pistons I3 and 2| have raised lid I2 to inoperative position. Piston I3 would ordinarily move downwardly by gravity, but in order to insure raising of lid I2 before downward movement of piston I3 50 is effected, the choke coil 34 is provided. When piston I3 moves upwardly in order to prevent any resistance to the escape of fluid from the upper'end of section 3* a bypass connection 35, having a check valve 33 provided therein, is connected across the coil section of choke coil 34.

The discharge pipe 31 of pump P* is also connected to, a four-way valve |33, similar in construction and operation to the valve 13 just described. Valve |33 also comprises an inlet port 00 I 3| which is.connected to pipe 31 by means of a pipe |32, and discharge ports |33 and |34. 'I'he valve stem |35 of the valve memb'er |33 operating in valve |33 is operatively connected to the piston rod |31 of a fluid motor |33 by any suitable coupling |33. Port |34 of valve |33 is connected to the portl 63 of section 4e of unit4, by means of a pipe II3, and to the upper ends of cylinders 33 and 33 of motors 35 and 43. by means of branch pipes III and II2. Port |33 is connected to the lower end of cylinder 33 by means of a pipe II3, while a branchpipe I4 connects pipe I I3 with the lower end of cylinder 33. Port 53 provided at the upper vend of section 4 is connected to pipe ||3 by means of a choke coil ||5, and a bypass 73 connection ||6 having a check valve ||1 provided therein, is connected across said choke coil. f

The opposite ends of the chamber ||8 of .v`alve are connected by a passage similar to the passag 90 of valve 10, and a pipe.||9` connects said chamber with makeup tank 6|. Whenthe parts are in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, fluid from the pump -P2 flows through pipes 61, |02, port |0|, the portion of chamber |8 between the valve heads of valve member |06, port |04, pipe' ||0, port160 at the lower end of section 4, andthrough pipe to the upper end of cylinder 33, and through branch pipe ||2 to the upper end of cylinder 39. When this occurs pistons 34 and 38 will move downwardly to clamp lid 29, while pistons 21 and 28 will'be moved upwardly to feed the material contained in section 4b to valve 31. Fluid at the upper end of section 4a will now pass through bypass connection ||6, pipe ||3, port |03, chamber ||8, and thence to makeup tank 6| through pipe 9. Fluid at the lower ends of cylinders 33 .and 39 will now also flow to supply tank 6| through pipes ||3 and ||4, port |03,- chamber ||8, and pipe H8.'

Pumps P1 and P2 are generally similar in" construction and each comprises sliding blocks for controlling the strokes thereof. These pumps are so constructed that stroking thereof will occur in one direction only from a neutral position, and

consequently the discharges thereof will alwaysA be through pipes 63 and 61 respectively.

Secured tofsliding blocks |20 andextending through suit'able bearings'in the casing |2| of pump P1 are a pair of guide rods |22. These Aguide rods are secured at the outer ends thereof by any suitable means, such as lock nuts |23, to a crosshead |24.A Mountedin a bracket extending outwardly from pump casing |2| is a hand wheel |26 having a screw shaft |21 secured thereto. ternally threaded bore provided in the end wall |28 of bracket |25, and the end thereof is adapted fto engage the outer side of crosshead |24. Thus in order to limit the stroke of the pump to best suit the conditions of operation, it is onlynecessary to turn hand wheel |26 the proper amount. Upon adjustment of hand wheel in this manner it is secured in position by a lock nut |29. Rigid- |31 are secured to sliding blocks |20 at the sidef opposite to that forming the points of attachment of rods |22. To place pump P1 on stroke fluid is admitted-to a port |38 provided in the outer end of cylinder |32 through a pipe |44, causing piston |33 to actuate crosshead |36 inwardly. Inasmuch as crosshead |24 is rigidly secured to sliding blocks |20 it also will move in the same direction until it engages the inner end of shaft |21. When it is Adesired to place pump Pl on neutral stroke fluid is admitted to a port |39 provided at the inner end of cylinder |32 through a pipe |39 whereby the piston |33 is operated in the reverse direction, thereby moving sliding blocks |20 to neutral position. In order to prevent excessive pressures in the system when pis- Screw shaft |21 engages the intons I0 and reach 'their lower limi-t of travel and pistons |6 and 2| reach their upper limit of travel, asecond uid motor '|40 is provided. Mo-

side of the casing |2| of pump P1 adjacent motor 13|. -Motor |40 comprises a cylinder |4| having a -p'iston |42 operating therein. The outer 4 end of piston |42 engages the inner side of crosshead |36. The cylinder |4| of motor |40 is provided with a portv |43 at the inner end there- 'of which is connected to pipe 18 by means of abranch pipe '|43'. Thus,.in the event the pressurein the system exceeds that'imposed upon the outer side in piston 33 of motor |3|, under thel conditions just described, piston |42op`erating in opposition thereto will actuate crosshead |36, and consequently sliding neutral position.

Pump Pzis also provided with a similar control blocks |20, t0 a.

mechanism consisting of a stroke determining -handwheel |45, which is locked in positionafter adjustment -by'a lock nut |46. 'I'he opposite side of pump P2 has secured to the casing .thereof a' pair of rods |41' upon which is mounted a motor '|41 for actuating the sliding blocks |20 of said pump to on-stroke position and to neutral posi- -tor |40 is secured in any suitable manner to the tion, The piston rod |48 of'motor |41 is secured to a crosshead |48, which in turn is secured to the sliding blocks of the pump by means ofguide rods |50. To prevent excessive pressures in the system when pistons 21 and 28 reach the limit of their downward Itravel, and pistons 34 and 38 reach their upper limit of travel, a second motor |5| is provided. Motor |5| comprises a cylinder |5|' having a piston |55 operating therein, the inner endvof said cylinder being connected to pipe ||3 by a pipe |52. In order to stroke pump Pl uid under pressure is admitted to a port |53 at, lthe outer end of motor |41 through a pipe |53,

and to adjust the stroke controls of said pump to neutral position iiuid is admitted to a port |54'l v at the opposite end of motor 41 through a pipeA with pumping unit 2, it will be recalled that said valves are shifted to different positions of adjustment by means of iluid motors 88 and |08 respectively. Motor 88 comprises a cylinder |60 having a piston |6| operating therein to one end of which the piston rod 81 is secured. Fluid is supplied to the left hand end of cylinder |60 through a port |62 and to the righthand end thereof through a port |63. Port |62 of motor 88 is connected to a port |64. of a control valve |65 by means of a pipey |66, while port |63 is connected to a portv |61 of valve |65, by means of a pipe |68 and a branch pipe |69.' The other end of ripe |68 is connected to the lower end of cylinder 55 of the motor 56 for adjusting valve 41.

Motor |08 is similar inconstruction to motor 88 and comprises a cylinder |69 having a piston The opposite end of pipe |11 is connected to the upper end of cylinder `55 of motor 56.

Motors 56, |3|, |41, 88 and |08 are actuated by any suitable fluid pressure, such as air, delivered from a pressure tank |19. A pipe connects pressure tank |19 with a manually operable valve |8|. Valve |8| is so constructed that When the handle |82 thereof is in one position, fluid under pressure passes through pipe |53 and branch pipe |44 to the outer ends of the pistons operating in motors |3| and |41 respectively, whereby the sliding blocks of pumps PI and P2 are actuated to on-stroke-position. When handle |82 is moved to another position of adjustment, fluid under pressure passes from valve |8| to pipe |54. Since pipe |39, as shown more particularly in Fig. l, is connected to pipe |54 fluid now enters the inner ends of motors |3| and |41 causing the pistons operating therein to actuate the sliding blocks of pumps P1 and P2 to neutral position. As shown in Fig. 1, a pipe |83 is connected at one end to pipe |80, and at the other end to the inlet port |84 of valve |65, while a branch pipe |85 connects pipe I 83 to the inlet port |86 of valve |14.

Valve |65 comprises a casing |81 having a slidable valve member |88 operating in the central chamber |89 thereof. Valve casing |81 has provided therein a port |90 at the right hand thereof, and a port |9| at the left hand end thereof. Port |90 is connected to the lower end of a relief valve |92, secured to the lower end of section 4 of unit 4, by means of a pipe |93, while port |9| is connected to a relief valve suitably secured to section ila of unit 3, by means of a pipe |96.

Valve |14 is similar in construction to valve |65,

and also comprises a substantially cylindrical.

casing |91 having a slidable valve member |98 operating in the central chamber |99 thereof. Ports 200 and 20| are provided respectively in the right and left hand ends of casing |91. Port 200 is connected to a relief valve 202 secured to section 4a of unit 4 above valve |92, by means of a pire 203, while port 20| is connected to a relief valve 204 secured to section 38 of unit 3 beneath valve |95 by means of a pipe 205.

The structure and operation of valves |65 and |14 are similar so that a detailed description of one will suffice for both. Therefore, a detailed description of valve |65 only will be given.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 7 and 8, it is seen that casing |81 has provided therein diametrically opposed to ports |64 and |61, ports 206 and 201, respectively. These ports constitute the exhaust ports of the valve, as will appear more fully hereinafter. Valve member |68 has provided at the upper side thereof, Aa longitudinal passage 208 which communicates with radial passages 209 and 2|0 provided respectively near the opposite ends of said member. Passages 209 and 2|0 communicate respectively with radial passages 2|| and 2|2 disposed substantially at right angles thereto, and which are adapted to register with ports |64 and |61 respectively, provided in casing |81. Valve member |88 has also provided therein intermediate passages 2| and 2|2, a pair` of passages 2|3 and 2|4, extending transversely through said valve member and in substantially parallel relation with passages 2|| and 2|2. The opposite ends 2| 5 and 2|6 of valve member |88 are connected to passages 209 and 2|0 respectively, by relatively small passages 2 |1 and 2 8. Thus, when relief valves |92 and |95 are closed, equal pressures are exerted at the opposite ends 2|5 and 2|6 .of valve member |88. However, in the '1 and 8, fluid from pipe 83 enters inlet port |84 and then flows through longitudinal passage 208 vthrough passages 209 and 2| and the passages 2| 0 and 2|2. When in this position passage 2|2 registers with port |61, and consequently fluid will flow from said port through pipe |69 and pipe |68 to the right hand end of motor 88, thereby shifting valve member 12 'to the left, and also to the lower end of motor 56, causing the piston operating therein to move rack member 52 upwardly, which through its engagement with gear 5|, will shift valve member 48 so as to establish communication between pipe 44 and discharge port 50. The fluid at the left hand end of motor 88 will now flow through pipes |66, port |64, passage 2|3 Vprovided in valve member |88, and thence to exhaust through port 206. When valve member |88 is shifted to the extreme right hand position it is seen that passage 2| 4 will connect port |61 with exhaust port 201, while passage 2|| will register with port |64. Passage 2|2 under these conditions will be covered by the inner surface of the cylinder. Fluid entering the valve through pipe |83 will now flow through passages 208, 209, and 2|| of valve member |88, port |64,

pipe |66, and into the left hand end of cylinder |60 of motor 88, thereby shifting valve member' 12 to the right. Fluid from the right hand end of motor 88, as well as fluid from the lower end of motor 56 will now flow through pipe |68, branch pipe |69, port |61, passage 2|4 of valve member |88, and. thence to exhaust through port 201.

Relief valves |92, |95, 202, and 204 are of similar construction, and accordingly a detailed description of one will suflce for all. For the purpose of illustration, a description of valve .202 will now be given. Valve 202 comprises a casing 220 having a substantially cylindrical chamber 22| provided therein. The left hand side of casing 220 is provided with a pair of laterally extending ears 222,'each having an aperture 223 provided therein through which a bolt, or other securing means may pass for securing said valve to unit 4. The lower end of chamber 22| is provided with a valve seat 224 upon which rests a valve 225. The

valve stem 226 of valve 225 extends through a central bore 221 provided in the casing and protrudes from the outer extremity of the casing. The upper end of casing 220 is provided with an internally threaded portion 228 for receiving a cap member 229. 'I'he right hand side of chamber 22| has provided therein a port 230 to which is secured one end of pipe 203. Slightly below valve seat 224 is a second chamber 23| which communicates with an exhaust port 232. Thus, when valve 225 is moved away from its seat, fluid from pipe 203 will flow into chamber 22|, thence" around valve stem 226 and into chamber- 23|, and thence to exhaust through port 232. Valve 225 isretaine'd upon its seat by means of a coil spring 234 extending between the head of valve 225 and vthe inner surface of cap 229. 'I'he compression of spring 284 may be varied by simply adjusting cap 228.

The means for actuating relief v'alves |92, |95, 202 and 204, which control the operation of valves and |14 will now be described in detail.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 4 and 5, it is seen that pistons and 28 of units 3 and 4,'have respectively 'secured thereto rods 240 and 24|. Rod 240 has slidably mounted thereon near the lower end thereof a laterally extending projection 242. Projection 242 rests upon the upper end of a. coil spring 243 extending between said projection and an adjustable nut- 244 provided at the lower end of said rod. Pivotally mounted v intermediate valves |95 and 204 on unit 3 is a tripping Ielement 245. Element 245 comprises an arm 246 adapted to engage the upper end of v alve stem 241 of valve 204, a second arm 248 adapted to engage valve stem 249 of valve |95, and-a relatively long arm 250'having a laterally lextending projection 25| thereon adapted to be engaged by projection 242 as piston approaches its'upper limit ofv travel. Thus, as piston approaches its upper limit of travel projection 242 engages arm 250 and rotates the samein a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 5), causing arm 246 to engage valve stem 241, thereby opening valve204 to relieve the pressure at the left hand end of valve member |98, and as a result valve member |98 moves to the left. Upon con- I A252 and an adjustable .nut 254 provided at the extreme-lower end -of said rod 24|. Projection 252 is adapted to engage a lateral projection 1 255 secured to the free end of a tripping element 256 pivotally mounted onunt 4 at 251. .Tripping element 256 has also -provided thereon a pair of arms 258 and 259, which are adapted to engage valve stems 260 and 26|, respectively, of valves |92 and 202. Thus, as piston 28 approaches its upper limit of travel, projection 252 engages trippingelement 256, causing the lsame to swing in a clockwise direction (Fig. 5) wherebyarm 258 engages valve stem 260 to open valve |92,y thereby relieving the pressure at the right hand endof valve member |88, and consequently the latter moves to its right hand position of adjustment. Upon further movement of piston 28, arm 29 of tripping element 256 engages valve stem 26| and opens valve 202, thereby causing a reduction in the pressure at the right hand end of valve member` |98, whereupon the latter moves to its right hand position of adjustment. Springs 243 and 253 provide resilient mountings for the projections 242 and 252 respectively, and thereby prevent damage to the parts, should rod 240 or24|, for any reason, overtravel its normal limit of movement. 'Ihe pressure of springs 243 and 253 may be varied by simply adjusting nuts 244 and 254 respectively.

During the upward travel of vpistons 21 and 28'Valve |92 is opened prior to the opening of valve 202, thereby causing an adjustment of valve |65 to effect a shiftingof Valve member 12 of valve 10, so that uid from pump P1 will cause direction and before valve A4'I has been shifted to connect the discharge port thereof with inlet port `4|. 'I'he purpose ofthis is to cause a compression of the material in the vreceiving chamber of unit 3 before4 it is fed therefrom, and as a' result continuous feeding of materials of a uniform density is assured. The same is true in respect to valves 204 and |95, the former of which being opened first as pistons l0 and approach their limit of travel in the feeding direction, thereby causing an adjustment of valve member |98 of valve |14 in such a manner that valve element |06 of valve |08 will be shifted to the left so that uid motors 35 and 40 will urge lid 29 downwardly to close the open end of the receiving chamber of unit 4, and also to effect an initial upward movement of pistons 21 and` 28 to compress the materials contained in said chamber before pistons I0 and complete their travel in the feeding direction.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 3 and 4. it lwill be observed that sections 3b and 4b of units 3 and 4 respectively, may be of. a fabricated design, especially when the receiving chambers are of a rectangular form. Section 3' comprises a pair of end walls 26-2 and 263 to which are secured by stud bolts 264, a pair of 4side plates 265 and 266, having the cylinders |1 and` 22 respectively, integrally cast thereto. The upper ends of cylinders |1 and 22 are closed by means of cap members 261 and 268 respectively through which the piston rods I5 and 20 extend. To prevent leakage past the piston rods I5 and 20, any suitable packing glands`269 and 210 may be provided. Section 3b is supported upon platform 5 by fianges 21| and 212 provided at the lower ends of side plates 265 and 266. Unit 3 is secured to platform 5 by means of four elongated bolts 213 and 214, which extend through the opposite ends of cap members 261 and 268 respectively. These bolts alsoextend through apertures provided in platform 5, and the lower ends thereof are secured to the upper flange 215 of section 3a. Nuts 216 and 211 secured to the opposite ends ofk rods 213 and 214 rigidly hold the parts in position. vPlatform 5 is provided with an aperture 218 through which piston is adapted to pass. By this construction it is seen that the various elements comprised in unit 3 may be readily assembled in position. Section 4b of unit 4 is of similar construction and comprises end plates 280 and 28|, to which are secured, by stud bolts 282, apair of side plates 283 and 284. The upper' ends of cylinders 33 and 39 provided on plates 283 and 284 respectively are closed by caps 285 and 286, through the opposite ends of which elongated bolts 281 and 288 extend. Bolts 281 and 288 also extend through apertures provided 'in platform 5-and in the upper flange 289 of section 4a. The parts above described are rigidLv held in position lby nuts 290 and 29| secured to the opposite ends of said bolts. Piston 28 is .adapted ltoextend through an aperture 292 provided in platform 5, in alignment with the receiving chamber of section 4b. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, piston l28 is provided with a U-shaped depression 293,

which is adapted to register with discharge port 42 of section 4b when said piston is in its upper position. By this construction piston 28 will continue to feedmaterials through the discharge port 43 during its `entire movement in the feeding direction. To prevent binding of piston 28 in the chamber in which it operates due to depression 293, a second. and correspondingly shaped depression 285 is provided at the opposite side of said piston. The forces operating on the opposite sides of the piston during its operation are balanced, and binding thereof Ais thus prevented. Piston of section 3b'is of similar construction l From -the foregoingdescription it is believed that the operation of my improved apparatus is apparent. However, in order to correlate the various elements thereof a brief rsum of 4the operation of the apparatus as a whole will now be given.

Fig. l shows the positions of the various parts when piston of the feeding unit 3 has reachedy its upper limit of travel. At this time the receiving chamber of unit 4 has been loaded with a charge of materials, and the feeding thereof through discharge port 42 has just begun. It will be noted that valve elements |88 and |98 of valves |65 and |14 respectively, are now in their. left hand positions of adjustment, and consequently fluid under pressure from tank |19 enters port |84 of valve |65 and discharges from said valve through port |61 and into pipe |69, and thence flows to port |83 of motor 88, causing the piston v|6| thereof to actuate valve element 12 of valve 18 to the left. Fluid under pressure also flows to the lower end of motor 55. causing the piston thereof to actuate valve element 48 of valve 41 to a dotted line position, shown in Fig. 1, thereby establishing communication between pipe 44 and discharge port 58 of said valve. When the parts are in this position fluid under pressure from tank |18 flowing through pipes |88, |83, |85, ports |86 and |13 of valve 14 and pipe |15 has already been directed against the right hand end of motor |88, causing the piston therein' to actuate valve element |86 of valve |88 to the left. When valves 18 and |88 have been so adjusted, fluid from pump p1 flows through pipe 63, pipe 15, port 14, port 16,A pipe 18, to the lower end of lid operating motor |8, through branch pipe 18 to the lower end of the second lid operating motor 23, and through choke coil 84 to the upper end of section 3l of unit 3. Thus, lid |2 is rst moved upwardly and the material receiving chamber of unit 3 is ready to receive another charge of material after said lid is swung to an out-ofthe-way position about rod l5. Owing to the delayed action produced by choke coil 84 pistons |8 and are urged downwardly to retracted pc sition, after lid I2 has been raised. Fluid from pump P. on the other hand, ilows through pipe 61, pipe |82, port |8| of valve |88, port |84, pipe ||8, to the lower end of section 4, causing pistons 21 and 28 to move upwardly. Fluid also ows from pipe I8 to pipes and ||2 to the upper end of motors 33 and 38, causing pistons 34 and 38 respectively to actuate lid 29 downwardly to seal the upper end of the receiving chamber of unit 4. The fluid contained in the upper end of motors |8 and 23 now returned to makeup tank 6| through pipes 88, 8|, port 11, passage 98, port 92, and pipe 9|. Fluid from the lower end of sec'ion 3 of unit 3 also returns to makeup tank through pipe 82, pipe 80, valve 18 and pipe 9|. In a like manner the fluid at the lower ends oi motors 33 and 39, iiows back to makeup tanl. 6| through pipes H3, ||4, port |83, valve |88, and pipe H9. Fluid at the upper end of section 4* of unit 4 will 1aow ilow through bypass connection |6 and into-pipe ||3, and thence be returned to the make-up tank 6| through the connections just described.

As piston 28 of unit 4 moves upwardly, the materials in the receiving chamber thereof are forced through port 42 and into pipe 44, and thence through valve member 48 and discharge port 58 which in turn may be connected with any suitable receiving apparatus.

Fig. 11 shows the position, on an enlarged scale, of the air control valves when the apparatus assumes the position shown in Fig. 1. As piston 28 approaches its upper limit of travel, projections 252 on rod 24| engages tripping element 258. thereby swinging the same in a clockwise direction (Fig. 5) causing the arm 258 thereof to engage valve stem 268 of valve |82, to open the latter and thus` connect the right hand end of valve member |65 to exhaust. Inasmuch as the left hand end of said valve is subjected Vto pressure communicated thereto through passage 2|1, valve element |88 will be shifted to the right. Fig. l2 shows the position of the parts at this stage of the operation. Fluid under pressure now discharges from valve |85 through port |84 vand into pipe |66, which conducts it to the left hand end of motor 88, causing valve element 12 to be shifted to the right. Fluid from pump .P1 will now flow through pipes 83 and 15, valve 18, pipe 88, to the upper end of motor 23 and through pipel 8| to the upper end of motor I8, causing lid 2 to be moved downwardly to` closed position. Fluid also -flows to the lower. end of section 3 through pipe 82, whereupon pistons |8 and begin their upward travel. The fluid at the lower ends of motors |8 and 23 will now drain back to makeup tank 8| through pipes 18 and 18, valve 18, `and pipe' 8|, as previously described. Fluid at the upper end of section 3l will now-now through bypass connection 85 and into pipe 18 and thence to tank 6| through the connections juste described. Also, the fluid at the right hand end of motor 88. and at the lower end of motor 58 will now flow to exhaust through pipes |88 and |88, port |61, passage 2|4 of valve member |88,

and port 281. At this point valve member |88 of valve |14 is in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 11, 'and consequently valve member 48 of valve 41 is still in the position shown in Fig. 1, and the action of piston simply compresses the materials in the receiving chamber of unit 3, while piston 28 continues to feed material Afrom the receiving chamber of unit 4.. Upon further travel of pistons 21 and 28, arm 258 engages valve stem 26| of relief valve 282, and opens the latter, thereby reducing the presures at the right hand end of valve |14. Inasmuch as valve 284, is still closed, the pressure communicated to the left hand end thereof through passage 2|1 will urge valve member |88 to the right. 'The apparatus now assumes the position shown inv Fig. 13 at which time both the valve elements |88 and |88 are in the right handposition oi' adjustment. Fluid now passes through pipe |85 to port' |88 of valve |14, and thence to pipe |18, pipe |11, and into the left hand' end of motor |88, causing the piston therein to shift valve element |86 of valve |88 tothe right, and at the same timeuid from pipe |11 enters the uppere end of motor 58 urging the piston therein downwardly, causingl valve element 48 to be shifted in the reverse direction, as' shown in Fig. 6, thereby establishing communication between pipe 43 and discharge port 58, and at the same time closing port 48. Materials from unit 3 ar now fed through valve 41, and inasmuch as the shifting of said valve takes place immediately upon completion of the feeding openvases |02', valve |00, and pipe 3 to the lower end of motor 33 and through branch pipe ||4 to the lower end of motor 39, causing the pistons 34 and 38 lrespectively, to move lid 29 upwardly. Fluid also enters the upper end of section 4 through chokel coilk H5, thereby urging pistons 21 and 28 1odo'wnwardly. vThe operator now swings lid 29 to an out of the way position, as shown in Fig. 3, and the receiving chamber of unit'4is loaded lwith another charge of material.v Fluid from the lower end of section 4s now iiows back to makeup tankftl through pipe ||0, port |04 of valve |00, and pipe ||9. Fluidat the upper ends of. motors 33 and 89 also iiows back-k to vmakeup tank through pipes H2, H0, valve |00, and pipe 9. After the receiving chamber of unit 4 has been recharged, lid 29 is .swung back into operative position wherein hook 36 engages rod 31 and the 4unit is. now 'ready for another feeding operation. As pistons. I0 and approach the limit of their upward travel, projection 242 engages tripping element 245, causing the latter to swing in a counter clockwise direction, whereby arm 246 engages'valve stem 241l of valve 204',

causing the latter to open, thereby relieving the 80 pressure at thev left hand end of valve |14,`causing valve element |98v thereof to shift to the left,

as previously described, while valveA member |88 ofl valve I 95 remains in the position shown in Fig. 13. The parts are now in the position show'n in Fig. 14. Fluid under pressure discharges from valve |14 through pipe |15, and enters the right hand end of motor |08, causing valve element |06, of valve |00 to move to the left, as shown in Figs.- 1 and 2, causing fiuidunder pressure from pump P2 to enter the lower end of section 4a of unit valve |00, and pipe |,|9, as` previously` described, while the fluid at the lower ends of `motors 38 and has also drained back to said tank through pipes ||3 and |l4, valve |00 and pipe ||9.` The fluid at the left hand end of motor |09, and the fluid at'the upper end of motor 56. will nowfow to exhaust through pipes |11, |18, port |19, the transverse passage provided in the valve ele- `ment- |98, and the .exhaust port`p`rovided at the opposite side of said valve. `Upon further movement of pistons -I0 and projection 242 will actuate tripping element 2-15 a4 further distance, causing the arm 249 thereon to engage valve stem 249 of valve |95, and thereby open the latter to exhaust. When this occurs, the pressure at the .predetermined sequential order,

4 throu'ghpipes 81 and |02, valve |00, and pipe feed the material from unit 3. Fluid at the upper end of section 4a will now ilowback to supply` tank 9| through bypass connection H6, pipe ||3,

It therefore is seen that a novel material feeding apparatus has been provided which' enables one device to feed the materials while the other is being charged, and to thereafter close the ports leading from `the feeding unit when the latter has reached its limit of movement,.and to automatically cause the newly charged unit to continue the feeding operation. -This process is repeated. and as a result a constant flow of material of a uniform density is fed from the apparatus. n

`While the embodiment herein shown and described is adnirably adapted to fulfill the objects primarily stated, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited thereto, since it'may be embodied in other forms, all coming within .the scope of the claims which follow'.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the class described, the combination of means for feeding materials at apredetermined rate, said means comprising a plu- 'rality of material-receiving chambers, an adjustable lid provided at one end 'of 'each of said so adjusting. said valve that the materials fed from said 'chambers will pass therethroughin a and control means for each of said pistons causing operation thereof in the feeding direction prior to the adjustment of saidv valve, whereby said materials are compresed isn said chambers before feeding thereof is eiected. v

2. In a device of the class described, the combination of means for. feeding materials at a predetermined rate; said means comprising a pair of material receiving chambers,l an adjustable lid provided at one end of each of saidchambers, a piston operative in each` of said chambers for feedingthe materials therefrom, an adjustable valve for controlling the flow of materials from said chambers, means for connecting said valvetothe discharge end of each of said chambers, means for moving said valve to different positions of adjustment to alternately connect the same `with said chambers', whereby'when materials from one of said chambers'have been feci therethrough, said valve will be adjusted to connect the Vother of said chambers thereto, and control means for each of said pistons causing operation thereof in. the feeding direction prior to the 'adjustnient of said valve to compress. the materials in said chambers before feeding thereof iseected.

3. In a device of the class described, thev combinatlonmf means for feeding materials at apredetermined rate, said means comprising a `pair `chambers, automatic means for adjusting said valve to'alternately cjonnect said chambers with said discharge port thereof whereby a continuous flow of materials from said chambers will pass therethrough, and control means for each of said pistons causing operation thereof in the feeding direction prior to the adjustment of said valve to compress the materials in said chambers before feeding thereof is effected.

4. In a device of the class described, the combinaiion of means for feeding materials at a predetermined rate, said means comprising a plurality of material receiving chambers, a piston operative in each of said chambers for -feeding materials therefrom, an adjustable valve. hava discharge port and a pair of inlet ports, for controlling the flow of materials from said chambers. means for connecting one of said inlet ports with the discharge end of one of said cylinders, means connecting the other of said inletports with the discharge end of the other of said -chambers, automatic means for adjusting said'valve to alternately'connect the discharge port thereof with said inlet ports whereby a constant ilgw of materials will pass through said valve, 'independent operating means for said pistons, meansl for controlling said operating means in such a manner that when one of said pistons is operated in the feeding direction, the other is retracted to permit the chamber associated therewith to receive a new charge of material, and automatic means f orconditioning the retracted piston for operation' in the feeding direction prior to the completion of operation of the other pisin the feeding-direction, whereby the materials inthe recharged chamber will be compressed before feeding thereof is effected. 4

, 5. In a device of the class described, the combination of vmeans for feeding materials at a predetermined rate, said means comprising a pair of material receiving `chambers having an piston operative ineach of saidchambers for feeding materials therefrom, a pair of lids, one for closing the open end of each of said chambers. an adjustable valve operatively connected tothe discharge ends of said evlinders through which the materials from said chambers are fed, means for actuating said pisto feed the materials from said chambers.

operating means for said lids, and means forpredetermined rate, 'said means comprising a phnlality of material receiving chambers, a piston operative in each of said chambers for feeding the materials therefrom, each of said chambers" having an open end for receiving charges of materials, a valve, for controlling the ilow of materials from said chambers, having a discharge port and a pair of inlet ports, means for connecting one of said inlet ports to the discharge end of one of said chambers, means for the other of said inlet ports to the disharg end of the other of said chambers, a

' lid for Vclosing the open end of each of said chambers, operating means for each of said lids for actuating the same to open and closed positions, motor means for operating each of said pistons, a pumping unit for actuating said motors, and control means for compelling operation of said motors in a predetermined order to eect a continuous feeding of materials through said valve, said control means also comprising means for shifting said valve to alternately coni n neet the discharge port thereof withsaid inlet ports in accordance with the feeding operation oi' said pistons. l

7. In a device of the class described, the .comblnation of means for feeding materials at .a predetermined rate, said means including a pair 5 of material feeding chambers, each having a discharge port at one end thereof, and having an open end for the reception of charges vof materials, a lid adapted to close the open end of each of said chambers, a valve for controlling 10 the flow of material from said chambers, means connecting said valve with the discharge port of each of said chambers, a piston operative in each of said chambers for feeding the materials therefrom, a motor for adjusting said valve to alternately connect the discharge port thereof with the discharge ports of said chambers, motormeans for actuating each of said pistons, motor means for"` actuating each oi' said lids to open and closed positions, a pumping unit in-A cludinga pair of pumps, one of said pumps being provided for actuating said lid operating motors, and the piston operating in the motor associated with each of said chambers, valve means for controlling the flow of fluid from said pmnps to i said motors, a pair of control valves. one for each of said iirst mentioned valves, relief valves for controlling the operation of said control valves, and means operated by said pistons for actuating said relief valves to open position in a predetermined order, means for adjusting the stroke of said pumps, and means for varying the length of stroke of said pumps to regulate the discharges thereof, whereby the operation of said motors is correspondingly varied.

8. In a device of the'class described, the combination of Va pair oft pistons, cylinders for said pistons, a pair of pumps for supplying fluid pressure to said cylinders, valve means for controlling the discharges of said pumps to said pistons whereby the direction of travel of the latter may be controlled, motor means for adjusting said valves, a pair vof shiftable valves for controlling the operation of said valve adjusting motors, a series of relief valves operatively connected to said shiftable valves for controlling the operation thereof, and means actuated by said mstons for operating said relief valves in a predetermined order to control the operation of, said shiftable valves.

9. .In a device of the class described, the combination of means for feeding materials at a predetermined rate, said means comprising a plurality of material receiving chambers, a piston operative in each of said chambers for feeding materials therefrom, an adjustable valve, having a discharge port and a pair of inlet ports, for controlling the iiow of materials from said chambers, means for connecting one of said inlet ports with the discharge end cf one of said cylinders, means connecting the other of said inlet ports with the discharge end of the other of said chambers, automatic means for adjusting said valve to alternately connect the discharge port thereof with said inlet ports whereby a constant ilow of materials will Vpass through said valve, independent operating means for said pistons, means for controlling said operating means in such a manner that when one of said pistons is operated in the feeding direction, the other is retracted to permit the chamber associated therewith to receive a new charge of material, and automatic control means for conditioning the retracted piston for operation in the feeding direction prior to the completion of operation of the other piston in the feeding direction, whereby the materials in the recharged chamber will be compressed before feeding thereof is effected, said automatic control means including a pair of shiftable control valves, a series of relief valves operatively connected to said control valves, and means operated by-said pistons when they approach their limit of travel lin one direction, for successively operating certain of said relief valves to control the operation of said control valves.

10. In a device of the class described, the combination with a pair `of fluid motors, of a pair of pumps, one for actuating each of said motors, valve means associated with each of said pumps for controlling the direction of movement of the associated motors, means for shifting each of said valve means, automatic means for controlv ling the operation of said last mentioned means,

said automatic means .comprising a pair of shiftable control valves, a plurality of relief valves operatively connected to said shiftable control valves, and means for successively actuating certain of said relief valves to open position when one of said motors is actuated in one direction, and means for successively actuating other of said relief valves toppen position when the other of said motors moves in one direction.

l1. In a device of the class described, the corribination of a pair of double-acting motors, each of said motors having a piston operating therein, a pair ofpumps, one for actuating each of said pistons, a four-way valve disposed between each of said pumps and the associated motor for controlling the operation of the latter, a fluid motor associated with each of said four-way valves for actuating the latter to different positions of adjustment, a control valve for each of said motors, a pair of relief valves disposed adjacent each of said rst mentioned motors, means operatively connecting said relief valves with said control.

valves, means for successively opening the relief valves associated with one of' said pistons when.

the latter travels a predetermined distance in one direction to effect a reverse operation of the fourway valve associated with that motor, and means for successively operating the relief valves associated with the other of said first mentioned motors when the piston thereof travels a predetermined distance in one direction to further control the operation of said control valves, and thereby effect an adjustment of the other of said fourway valves to change the direction of operation of the associated motor.

12. In a device of the class described, the combination of means for feeding materials at a predetermined rate, said means comprising a plurality of material receiving chambers, a piston operative in each of said chambers for feeding materials therefrom, an adjustable valve, having a discharge port and a pair of inlet ports, for controlling the flow of materials from said chambers, means for connecting one of said inlet ports with the discharge end of one of said cylinders, means connecting the other of said inlet ports with the discharge end of the other of said chambers, automatic means for adjusting said valve to alternately connect the discharge port thereof with said inlet ports whereby a constant flow of materials will pass through said valve, independthe other is retracted to permit the chamberassociated therewith to receive a new charge of material, and to condition the motor for actuating the piston associated with the recharged chamber for operation prior to the completion of operation of the other piston in the feeding direction, whereby the materials in said recharged chamber will be compressed before feeding thereof is effected.

13. In a device of the class described, the combination of means for feeding materials at a predetermined rate, said means comprising aplurality of material receiving chambers, a piston operative in each of said chambers for feeding materials therefrom, an adjustable valve, having a discharge port and a pair of inlet ports, for

controlling the dow of materials from said chambers, means for connecting one of said inlet ports with the discharge end of one of said cylinders, means connecting the other of said inlet ports with the discharge end of the other of said chambers, automatic means for adjusting said valve to alternately connect the discharge port thereof with said inlet ports whereby a constant now of materials will pass through said valve, independent fluid motor means for operating said pistons, independent pump means for actuating said fluid motor means, a valve disposed between each of said pumps and its associated motor for controlling the direction of movement of the latter, means for shifting said valves to different positions of adjustment, automatic control means for each of said valves which functions to so control the operation of said motors that when one of said pistons is actuated in the feeding direction the other is retracted to permit the chamber associated therewith to receive a new charge of material, and to condition the motor for actuating the piston associated with the recharged chamber for operation prior to the completion of operation of the other piston in the feeding direction, whereby the materials in said recharged chamber will be compressed before feeding thereof is effected, said automatic control means including a pair of shiftable control valves, a series of relief valves operatively con- -nected to said control valves, andmeans operated by said pistons when they approach their limit of travel in vone direction for successively operating said relief valves to control the operation of said shiftable control valves.

14. In a device of the class described, the combination of means for feeding materials at a predetermined rate, said means comprising a pair of material receiving chambers, each of said chambers having side and end walls and being open at one end, a discharge port provided in one of the end walls of each of said chambers, an adjustable valve operatively vconnected to said discharge ports, a material feeding piston operative in each of said chambers, a cylinder integral with eachof the side walls of each of said chambers, a piston operative in each of said cylinders, a piston rod connected to each of said last mentioned pistons and extending upwardly beyond said chambers, a pair of lids for closing the open ends of said chambers, means for pivotally mounting the lid for one of said chambers on one of the piston rods associated therelid adapted to engage the other of the piston rods associated with said chamber, means for pivotally mounting the other of said lids to one ,of he piston rods associated with the other of said chambers, a hook provided on said last mentioned lid adapted to engage the other of said piston rods associated with said last mentioned chamber, whereby said lids may be swung about their pivotal connections to an out of the way lo position to permit said chambers to receive charges of materials, means for actuating said lid operating pistons in either direction, operating means for said material feeding pistons, and control means for each of' said last mentioned pistons causing operation thereof in the feeding direction prior to the adjustment of said valve, whereby said materials are compressed in said chambers before feeding thereof is. effected. 

